David Hirst, UBS

David Hirst David Hirst is the Head of Operations for Real Estate UK, and leads Investment Governance and Coordination across Real Estate Europe, which form part of Real Estate & Private Markets (REPM) within UBS Asset Management (UBS-AM). David's responsibilities include fund structuring, product management and central supplier relations. He has performed this role since July 2009. David joined UBS-AM in January 2006 as legal counsel for Real Estate Continental Europe, helping to establish UBS’s Luxembourg real estate funds and advising on transactions throughout Continental Europe. Before joining UBS, David specialised in commercial property transactions at Berwin Leighton Paisner (2001–2005) with a secondment to British Land. David is a member of the Real Estate Investment Committees for Europe and Brazil. He is also a member of the Real Estate UK Debt Lending Committee. David chairs the Real Estate Sustainability Workgroup and is a member of UBS Group's Sustainability Forum. He is also a member of AREF's Public Affairs Committee.
09.30-10.20

Market developments, regulation, tax, technology: What keeps RE asset managers up at night?

An overview of what real estate experts consider game changers and hot topics. How do they prepare and adapt? How ensure stability in a changing environment?


10.50-11.35

Responsible decision-making: coupling sustainability and profitability

ESG is on the rise. ‘Green’, social and governance criteria increasingly influence strategy, investment decisions, reporting and marketing. How are asset managers integrating ESG in their internal processes? What are clients asking for? And what about profitability in this new paradigm?

  • David Hirst

    David Hirst Head of Operations Real Estate UK, Executive Director UBS

  • Brian McMahon

    Brian McMahon Lead EMEA Alternatives Business Development BNY Mellon (Luxembourg)


11.35-12.25

It's all about the investor

Capital raising, structuring, distribution – how to reach and please the investor


14.00-14.10

Chairperson's introduction & Presentation of the REIF Study


14.50-15.30

Every pot has its lid - solutions for product developers

Specialising in property types: aged care facilities, student housing, residential property, co-working spaces, etc


16.00-16.45

Build, buy or borrow-Which operating model is the key to success over the next 10 years?

Which operating model is going to unlock the doors to a successful future?
Is your operating model robust enough to manage the transformation the RE industry is facing?
Hear different views on the market from various players.


16.45-17.15

PropTech, the new kid on the block

Blockchain, tokenisation, crypto: rethinking property ownership


17.15-17.45

Substance and oversight: moving targets requiring undivided attention

Interview Marco Zwick on CSSF 18/697 and 18/698.
Role and responsibility of governing bodies are evolving, management companies are bustling, while delegation and oversight remain centre stage